We all know about the 611
That’s it, the only one.
Cat, it’s almost a miracle we’ve still got 611. See if you can find a copy of “Steams Camelot” by Jim Wrinn, the story of the Southern/ Norfolk-Southern steam programs. It tells the story (among others) of 611’s preservation and how Graham and Bob Claytor were willing to get their knuckles bloody to save her.
A good read, and it’ll make you appreciate what we owe to those two men.
I never heard of the Claytor’s involvement in preserving her. Are you sure you aren’t talking about their role in her restoration for excursions during the 1980’s for the Norfolk Southern steam program?
She had been safely in preservation for decades before that. As far as I’m aware, it was O. Winston Link that led the campaign which resulted in N&W begrudgingly donating her to the Virginia Museum of Transportation in 1960. She entered preservation far more smoothly than most other extant N&W steam did like A class 1218, the only survivor of a famous class of modern articulated steam power that was saved no thanks to Norfolk & Western.
As for the topic question, I wonder why the creator just didn’t look for himself. He could’ve found his answer with a 30 second internet search and he had to of known it was an easy question since he’s clearly aware of the 611’s status and the classes fame in general judging by his post. It’s always good form to attempt to answer your own question first before asking other people to answer it.
If he has any other questions about the status of surviving steam, here’s an excellent resource to start with.
Is there a full moon tonight?
Sorry, Jim, the moon is renewed tomorrow evening.
To Leo Ames:
Certainly O. Winston Link was involved in the efforts to save 611 in 1959, but it was the Claytors (Graham, a high-powered DC attorney at the time with strong connections, and Robert who was part of the N&W law department) who had the “pull” to make it happen.
Graham eventually wore down Stuart Saunders, the N&W president at the time, saying late on he’d argued the preservation of 611 as hard as he’d argued any courtroom case, and Bob quietly kept an eye on the locomotive in Roanoke to prevent any efforts to permanently disable it.
As an aside, it was Graham Claytor who signed my commission as a Marine First Lieutenant in 1977, being Secretary of the Navy at the time. Not being a railfan then the name didn’t mean anything to me aside from the obvious, but I treasure that commision paper now!
Thanks for clarifying it for me since I wasn’t sure if you were talking about her preservation or her restoration where of course the Claytor’s involvement was always front and center and in clear view of the public.
You’re welcome Leo! And if you can, see if you can find yourself a copy of “Steams Camelot”. This may seem like a commercial for it, but I can recommend it highly. A very entertaining and at times poingnant and moving story of the Southern and Norfolk-Southern steam programs and the demise of same in 1994.
Hard to believe that there more Union Pacific Big Boys left that J Class locomotives.How many other railroads made their own like The N & W did when it comes to the 611?
Well, there are exactly 0 (zero) NYC Hudsons left!
And THAT’S an atrocity we’ve spoken about often on the Forum, let me tell 'ya!
Not the only tragedy — Burlington O-5 Pocono Greenbrier
I sure hope the K4 gets the attention it needs and can run again!
Again, what is the state of the one saved Mowhawk?
Two saved Mohawks. (And yes, that’s amazing!)
Cosmetically the one at the National Museum of Transportation looks pretty good, although I’m sure it’s in no way close to running condition.
The one in Elkhardt Indiana at the New York Central Society museum is, well, there. Last pictures I saw of it it looked pretty rough. All together mind you, but rough.
Not quite national. Last time I was in St. Louis I managed to sneak a peak at 2933; the paint is on and it appears only in want of decals. She’s definitely one of the more beautiful engines at the museum, but if anything’s gonna get restored, it’ll be a different Mountain, this one just a bit louder.
I should have said “the Mohawk in the museum in Saint Louis.” I keep confusing the name. Beg pardon.
It’s fine. I’ve called it that a time or two myself. There’s only so many variants on “Transportation Museum.”
There was some interest last year in restoring this locomotive, but alas, money issues got in the way.
I’m not surprised man, it takes BIG money to bring one of those things back. They’d need a massive fundraiser a’ la 611, or an “angel” with deep pockets.
Then of course they need a place to run it. I’m not sure of the old NYC mainline through Elkhardt is CSX or Norfolk-Southern now. If it’s NS, they’re OK, if it’s CSX forget it.